Ruminants

Metritis in Cows: Types Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Metritis in cows or uterine infections in cattle are common, especially during or after parturition (the process of giving birth) of the cattle (also known as postpartum uterine infection in cattle).

In this blog, we will be discussing in length the different types of metritis in cows, and what are the natural treatments available for such infections.

Types of uterine infection in cattle

Uterine infection in cattle is classified into various types such as –

Puerperal metritis in cattle: This is a common uterine infection characterized by an enlarged uterus, and foul-smelling, watery, red-brown vagina discharge. It displays signs of fever of more than 39.5^oC, and systemic illness such as decreased milk production, dullness, or depression.
Clinical metritis in cattle: This is a general term for uterine infections caused in cattle after calving. Clinical Metritis in cows can further be classified into 3 grades wherein 1 is mild, and 3 is severe –
- Grade 1: No signs of systemic illness or fever.
- Grade 2: Acute puerperal metritis, with clinical signs like fever, reduced appetite, and decreased milk production.
- Grade 3: Toxic metritis, with the cow in a recumbent state and showing signs of toxaemia.
Clinical endometritis in cattle (CE): It is an inflammatory disease in cows that affects the endometrium, or lining of the uterus.
Subclinical endometritis in cattle (SCE): This is a uterine inflammation in cattle that occurs without clinical signs and can negatively impact reproductive performance. SCE is asymptomatic.

These infections are especially common among high-producing dairy cows and have been linked with decreased pregnancy per Artificial Insemination (AI), extended interval to pregnancy, and increased culling, resulting in economic losses.

Let’s dive deeper into understanding the causes of endometritis in cattle.

Causes for uterine infection in cattle

Bacteria: Postpartum uterine infection in cattle can be caused due to bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Arcanobacterium pyogenes that can contaminate the uterus after calving, leading to infection.
Viruses: Uterine infection can also occur because of bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4).
Retained placenta: The risk of uterine infection in cattle can also increase if the placenta isn’t separated from the uterus. This can happen if the cow’s immune system lacks enough trace minerals.
Difficult birth: Complications during calving can also lead to uterine infections.
Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of proper nutrition can also lead to uterine infection.
Unhygienic calving environment: Calving in an unhygienic environment can increase the risk of uterine infection
Cervical adhesions: This can interfere with the natural drainage of fluid from the uterus and lead to uterine infections
Constricted cervix: An abnormally constricted, tortuous, or irregular cervix can interfere with the natural drainage of fluid from the uterus

Now, let’s go further into identifying the signs and symptoms of uterine infection in cattle.

Symptoms of metritis in cows

Uterine discharge: A watery, red-brown, foul-smelling discharge from the uterus.
Uterine enlargement: The uterus is enlarged and flaccid.
Systemic signs: Fever, decreased appetite, decreased milk production, depression, and dehydration.
Other signs: Dullness, elevated heart rate, and decreased rumen motility.

Treatments of metritis in cows

Cow uterine infection treatment is available in a lot of ways. Let’s try to know them in detail:

Natural treatments for metritis in cows

Herbal medicine in the treatment of uterine infections in cattle is becoming quite popular. Hence, clinicians have identified an urgent need to find an alternative therapy for the treatment of uterine infections using immunomodulators and phytotherapeutic measures as a means of activation of natural defense mechanisms in the uterus.

Many herbs such as garlic, neem, ashwagandha, turmeric, and tulsi have been tried for the treatment of endometritis in cattle.

Here are some nutritional factors that can aid metritis in cows and need to be taken care of during the treatment –

Energy metabolism: Nutritional management, especially energy metabolism, is important in the close-up period to help cows recover from calving fatigue
Phosphorus deficiency: A phosphorus deficiency has been linked to cystic ovaries
Concentrate feeding: High levels of concentrated feeding can lead to uterine infections
Manganese: Feeds high in manganese can cause uterine infections
Plant estrogens: Plant estrogens can contribute to metritis in cows
Beta-carotene deficiency: A deficiency in beta-carotene can result in metritis in cows

Now that we have understood how metritis in cows can be treated naturally, let’s look into the preventive measures that need to be taken to avoid such instances in the future.

Preventive measures

Provide a clean calving environment separate from the sick pen
Provide adequate bunk space (36 inches/cow), resting space (80% of capacity), and heat abatement

There are also cases where cows that later developed metritis had lower dry matter intakes in the pre-calving stage than cows that did not develop metritis.

Metritis in cows, an infection of the uterus, can lead to severe health issues, reducing fertility and milk production. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term damage. Maintaining a clean environment, ensuring balanced nutrition, and prompt veterinary care can help manage and prevent metritis, protecting herd health and productivity.

Phytogenics: Sustainable Solutions for Animal Health